Cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy

Please provide the following:
1. An overview of the condition
2. How/why the disorder alters nutrition requirements
3. Specific nutrition recommendations for the disorder
4. Any recent research relating to the condition and nutrition therapy

References, please

Solution Preview

An overview of cerebral palsy (also abbreviated at CP):

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that occurs in infancy or early childhood as a result of damage in parts of the brain that control muscle movements and tone. This condition permanently affects muscle movements and coordination and never worsens with time. The clinical manifestations of the disease can become apparent before the age of three years. These manifestations could be spasticity and hyper-reflexia, i.e. muscle stiffness and exaggerated tendon reflexes; walking with one dragged foot; scissoring gait, or too floppy or too stiff muscle tone. Head injury and infections as viral encephalitis or bacterial meningitis could contribute to the condition. The condition has no cure but physical, occupational, and speech therapies could help in improving the condition of muscles and allow the patient to adopt capabilities that can partially overcome the disability caused by the condition. Medications can also help to alleviate muscle spasms and pain due to spasms. Surgeries to release tight muscles, wheelchairs, communication ...

Solution Summary

This solution discusses cerebral palsy and what causes it, in addition to the nutritional requirements needed for such condition and the multidisciplinary team that can be involved for help are discussed. A hint about recent research handling the condition is also mentioned.